Weekly Ministry News

Dear People of God,

 I was a junior at Hanover College on April 3, 1974, when 3 tornados ripped through the college campus, the same day Xenia, Ohio was flattened. One of the college structures toppled by the high winds was the 100,000 gallon water tower. Let loose, that amount of water was powerful enough to wipe out much of what was left standing in its path; instead, it is believed that all 100,000 gallons were sucked up into the tornado, perhaps to be dispersed by the storm somewhere else. Water has amazingly destructive and wonderfully life-giving power. Coupled with God's Word, it changes the world! This weekend, we celebrate The Baptism of Our Lord, marking the beginning of Jesus' ministry, when God's love was unleashed upon the world. It is a time for us to ponder our own "spirit-filled" encounter with water and God's Word, and to ask what we have done since being spirit-filled and unleashed upon the world. So, what have we done?

 

In Christ's peace,

Gary

 

 

Epiphany Dinner/Worship/Clean-out

This Friday, January 6, is the final day of the Christmas Season. It is Epiphany Day, marking the time when God was revealed to the non-Jewish world, initially through the visit of the Magi to the toddler Jesus and his parents. On this Epiphany night, we will gather at 6:00 p.m. for a simple meal in the Parish House Blue Room, and then move to the sanctuary for a brief Epiphany service. Afterwards, we will "reclaim the sanctuary" by dismantling the Chrismon trees. All ages are welcome to come and help!

 

Football Challenge Tailgating Celebration
The first annual Football Challenge has concluded and we raised $3544 for local ministries – just by watching high school, college and pro football games! To celebrate, we will hold a "tailgating" party on Sunday, January 8, 11:45 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Representatives of the various ministry organizations will be on hand to receive the money we raised for them. You are invited to bring your favorite tailgating food to share, as well as your own soft drinks (this is a correction from last week's email). In the spirit of American tailgating, the congregation council has voted to permit adults to bring beer and wine to this event. Coffee and punch will be provided.

 

Altar Flowers

We are still seeking donors for worship Altar Flowers in 2012. Altar flowers are $30/vase. Sign up this weekend, or call the church office. For those who already signed up for flowers – Thank You!

 

5^TH Sunday Worship/Congregation Meeting

January 29 is the 5^th Sunday of the month, meaning that we will hold only ONE worship service that weekend, at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. Children's Choir rehearsals and Sunday School will meet as scheduled. Following worship, we will gather in the fellowship hall for our annual meeting to review 2011 ministries and act upon the 2012 budget proposal. You are asked to bring a food dish to share. Meat and drinks will be provided.

 

Marriage Enrichment Workshops

The Rev. Steven Ingram (Miami Valley Hospital Pastoral Counseling Center) will lead a 4 session Marriage Enrichment Workshop at LCOS for up to 8 couples. The workshop dates are February 19, March 4, March 18, and April 1, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (coincides with Confirmation Class times). Cost per couple is $40.00 for all 4 sessions. Light refreshments will be available. If you have questions, or wish to sign up, please contact Rachel Lammi (rachel@oursaviordayton.org).